1. Native / Non-native Status
Non-native. Native to central Japan. Introduced to Britain in the mid-19th century and widely planted in forestry.
2. Evergreen / Deciduous
Deciduous conifer – needles are shed in autumn.
3. Appearance
Leaves: Soft, narrow, needle-like leaves, 2–5 cm long, pale green, growing in clusters on short shoots. Turn golden-yellow before falling in autumn.
Bark: Reddish-brown, flaking and peeling into small scales with age.
Flowers/Fruit/Seeds: Male flowers are small yellow cones; female flowers form striking purple-pink upright cones in spring. Mature cones are rounded, 2–3 cm long, with scales that bend backwards (reflexed).
Overall shape: Tall, straight tree with a narrow crown when young, broadening with age.
4. Typical Size
17–22 m tall; spread 8–12 m.
5. Habitat & Range
Widely planted across Britain for timber and as an ornamental tree. Prefers upland sites and is commonly seen in large plantations. Natural regeneration has led to localised naturalisation.
6. Distinctive Features (ID tips)
Deciduous conifer (needles fall in autumn).
Needles in clusters, turning golden-yellow in autumn.
Cones with strongly reflexed scales (unlike European larch).
7. Seasonal Changes
Spring: Fresh green needle clusters emerge; female cones are bright purple.
Summer: Dense green canopy of soft needles.
Autumn: Needles turn golden-yellow before falling.
Winter: Bare branches with small cones remaining.
8. Human Uses
Widely grown for timber – durable, used in fencing, posts, construction, and outdoor work.
Coppiced or felled in rotations for forestry.
Planted ornamentally in parks and arboreta for autumn colour.
9. Wildlife Value
Provides nesting sites for birds in plantations.
Supports some invertebrates, though less than native broadleaves.
Deciduous habit allows ground flora to develop beneath plantations.
10. Fun Fact / Cultural Note
The reflexed cone scales are the easiest way to tell Japanese larch from other larch species.
One of the first non-native conifers to be widely used in British forestry plantations.
11. Planting & Care (Basic Instructions)
Best time to plant: Late autumn or early spring.
Soil: Prefers moist, well-drained soils; tolerates acidic and sandy soils but dislikes waterlogging.
Light: Best in full sun.
Watering: Water regularly in first 2–3 years; drought-tolerant once established.
Spacing: 2–4 m in forestry blocks; 8–10 m for specimen planting.
Aftercare: Mulch to conserve moisture. Stake young trees in exposed sites. Requires little pruning beyond removing dead or damaged branches.
12. Good for Urban or Garden Setting?
Urban: Not ideal for streets; better suited to parks, estates, or large landscapes.
Garden: Attractive in large gardens or arboreta for its golden autumn colour; too large for small gardens.